Securing the high ground was key to victory in Normandy. Al Murray and James Holland continue their journey in the footsteps of Allied soldiers from 80 years ago. Through idyllic fields, thick forest and deep hedgerows - they pick out individual stories of the first joined up operation after the 6th June landings. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our lives...
Jul 02, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 781
The Battle for Normandy didn’t end with D-Day. James Holland is re-united with Al Murray to retrace the steps of the Allied Operation EPSOM - 80 years to the day. Through idyllic fields, thick forest and deep hedgerows - they pick out individual stories of the first joined up operation after the 6th June landings. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our lives...
Jun 28, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 780
Will we lose a tangible connection to WW2 once the final veteran dies? Is Europe sleepwalking into another monumental war? Continuing our on-the-ground Normandy series, James Holland meets up with friends and historians to chat about the legacy of Operation OVERLORD. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly new...
Jun 25, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 779
Stan Perry is given an almost impossible task; in the dead of night - find a suitable crossing of the Noireau. His success is legendary, but the days that follow will change the Sherwood Rangers forever. Follow the moving and explosive story of the Sherwood Rangers' gripping battle in the immediate days after D-Day. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our liv...
Jun 20, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 778
Through the tiny villages and fortress-like roads of Normandy, James Holland retraces the steps of Stanley Christopherson’s tank crew as they edge towards Berlin. Follow the moving and explosive story of the Sherwood Rangers' gripping battle in the immediate days after D-Day. HEAR EPISODE TWO NOW by joining our Apple Channel or Patreon A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Compa...
Jun 18, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 757
We spend a lot of time speaking about non-fiction, but what are the greatest works of historical fiction? Al Murray interviews James Holland about his new novel 'Alvesdon', a fictional portrait of a farming family during the Second World War. 📖 Alvesdon is available from the 13th June in all good bookshops A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams,...
Jun 13, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 756
We're on the ground in Normandy as part of the D-Day 80 celebrations and our first stop is a parachute drop by the Band Of Brothers cast. James Holland interviews actors from the series and finds out about their gruelling training in Curahee and what it means to be a part of such an iconic TV series. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get ea...
Jun 11, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 775
After over a month on the ground fighting through fields and villages, the Allies have forced a retreat by Nazi High Command. The fightback has begun in Western Europe. Al Murray and James Holland assess Allied victory, losses and our memory of June 1944. In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the heroism, sacrifices, and strategic brilliance behind one of the most pivotal moments in history. Prepare to be transported to the heart of the Secon...
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 774
Allied Air superiority has left German forces in a mire, and the death of Rommel only makes the situation worse. After four long years of fighting, the tides have finally turned. Al Murray and James Holland discuss the defining battles of Operation COBRA and GOODWOOD and the inevitable victory against the Nazis. In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the heroism, sacrifices, and strategic brilliance behind one of the most pivotal moments in hi...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 773
In an expertly researched episode, Al Murray and James Holland investigate the myths surrounding Operation OVERLORD penned by historians in the last 80 years. They lead the charge against Carlo D’Este’s assessment of Normandy and look at the expert planning that leads to the breakthrough. In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the heroism, sacrifices, and strategic brilliance behind one of the most pivotal moments in history. Prepare to be tra...
May 30, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 772
The beaches have been successfully invaded, but the race is on. In the hours and days after D-Day, the Allies faced some of the toughest fighting groups available to the Nazis - including 12 SS HITLER JUGEND and PANZER LEHR. Can Monty’s men break through the bocage to find victory in Normandy? In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the heroism, sacrifices, and strategic brilliance behind one of the most pivotal moments in history. Prepare to b...
May 27, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 771
**THE D-DAY SERIES WILL RETURN ON TUESDAY** Al Murray and James Holland are back again with warbird legend Richard Grace at his Northampton hangar full to the brim with Spitfires, Messerschmitts and Mustangs. They chat to Richard about flying the wartime planes, the work that goes into restoring the aircraft and his exciting airshow planned for June. Tickets for Sywell Air Show are available now at: www.sywell2024.co.uk/tickets A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Ton...
May 23, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 770
Do the facts of the 6th June really live up to the myth of ‘Bloody Omaha’? Al Murray and James Holland are joined by US historian John McManus to discuss the devastating details of the American beach landing. The team also explore the horror of the DD Tank, and who is to blame for all of those lives being lost. In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the heroism, sacrifices, and strategic brilliance behind one of the most pivotal moments in his...
May 21, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 769
It was the single most day in the entire Allied campaign during WW2, the storming of the beaches of Normandy on the 6th June 1944. Al Murray and James Holland detail what happened on that day, almost 80 years ago on every beach - and try to dispel the myth of ‘Bloody Omaha’. In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the heroism, sacrifices, and strategic brilliance behind one of the most pivotal moments in history. Prepare to be transported to th...
May 16, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 768
Al Murray and James Holland continue to narrate the story of D-Day in stunning detail. In today’s episode they spend time focusing on an often untold stories of the invasion - the massive minelaying operation, and the first men to land at Pegasus Bridge. Next up, The Beaches. In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the heroism, sacrifices, and strategic brilliance behind one of the most pivotal moments in history. Prepare to be transported to t...
May 14, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 767
With only a few hours to go before Landing Craft are due to hit the beaches of Normandy, the Allies plan for Operation OVERLORD hangs finely in the balance. It is the role of a few weathermen to make the incredibly brave decision to push back D-Day by 24 hours, out of fear of devastating weather. Al Murray and James Holland look at the final hours before boots hit the beaches. In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the heroism, sacrifices, and...
May 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 766
The Allied plan for OVERLORD is a masterclass in logistics. Al Murray and James Holland detail the roles of US and British forces in planning the largest coastal invasion of all time. From Monty’s personality cult to the role of the SOE in Occupied France, no stone is left unturned in preparation for D-Day In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the heroism, sacrifices, and strategic brilliance behind one of the most pivotal moments in history....
May 07, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 765
May 1944, it is clear to Erwin Rommel that the Allied counter attack is just a few weeks away. The answer is simple - defend the Atlantic Wall. But Nazi infighting and ludicrous top-down decision making has led to chaos on the Western Front. With the 6th June just days away - they are still asking themselves: where will the Allies land? In the biggest series of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, join Al and James as they unravel the heroism, sacrifices, and strategic brilliance behind one of the m...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 764
In a follow up to our superb episode in which John McManus opened up the archives to a glut of post-war surveys of US soldiers, the boys really dig into the harrowing experience of fighting in the Italian campaign. Not only do we look at the nightmarish conditions in Europe, but also the racism and bloodthrist of American soldiers against Japanese troops. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join ou...
Apr 30, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 763
June 1944 was a month of allied invasion, both in Europe and the Pacific. James Holland and John McManus discuss Operation RECKLESS, the invasion of Hollandia (now New Guinea) on Humboldt Bay. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter - packed with deals. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn ...
Apr 25, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 762
Is the Spitfire the perfect plane? Al Murray and James Holland speak to Matt Jones - possibly the most experienced Spitfire pilot in the world. Matt explains to Al and James his love for the classic warbird and what it took to fly it around the world. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter - packed...
Apr 23, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 761
In the final episode of our epic Italy series, Al Murray and James Holland follow OPERATION DIADEM to completion. The Germans have been pushed back past the Adolf Hitler line and the final victory for the Allies is the liberation of the Eternal City. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter - packed ...
Apr 18, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 760
Cassino is cleared, and the Allies are planning one final push to take Rome and end the war in Italy, once and for all. Ira Akers presents OPERATION STRANGLEHOLD, a bombing effort on an enormous scale- freezing the Nazi rearmament. As the ground hardens and blue skies return to the Italian countryside - OPERATION DIADEM is launched. In this penultimate episode, Al Murray and James Holland begin the road to victory in Southern Europe. They also discuss the Mafioso rule in Italy, and the grotesque...
Apr 16, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 759
The capturing of Monte Cassino and Cassino town was crucial to the Allied victory in Italy, so why did it take so long to break through the stubborn German resistance? Al Murray and James Holland also discuss the morale and manpower problems faced by the New Zealand troops. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our wee...
Apr 11, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 758
The Nazis have assembled over 90,000 troops to counterattack under General von Mackensen’s troops, they’re beginning to amass at the Anzio beach head. The Allies' progress through Italy is slow, and pressure from Whitehall triggers a change of command in Italy. Will this turn the tide? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 757
As the battle heats up in Italy, Al Murray and James Holland detail of the most iconic moments in WW2 history - the Battle of Monte Cassino in February 1944. The Nazis defending the Abbey are depleted, but the Allies' attacks up narrow ridges are failing. Progress is slow, and the terrain is treacherous - will the Abbey be liberated? A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company...
Apr 04, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 756
In the early hours of the 22nd January 1944, US Fifth Army swarmed the beaches of Anzio largely unopposed. The Nazis’ response was swift, sending the 14th Army to stop them and preventing the Allies getting any closer to Rome. Al Murray and James Holland also assess the situation at the Cassino front, the military make-up of the French Expeditionary Corps and the civilian situation in Italy both in the Nazi-occupied north, and ‘liberated’ south. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy ...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 755
As the launch of OPERATION SHINGLE nears, Al Murray and James Holland dig deeper into the mountains, mud and mayhem that categorised the fighting in Italy in January 1944 and take a look at the opening battles of the year. They also review the innumerable failures of German high command, from the meddling by Hitler that led to a culture of fear that engulfed all decision making, to Kesselring’s mismanagement of frontline troops. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: To...
Mar 28, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 754
January 1944. The Allies have failed to reach Rome by Christmas, the ‘soft underbelly’ of Europe is reaching crisis point. To break through the Nazi’s strangle hold of Italy, the Allies plan OPERATION SHINGLE - the daring beach assault at Anzio. In the first episode of our Italy series, Al Murray and James Holland outline the reasons for recapturing Rome, Kesselring’s double lock defences at Cassino and the dangers of continuing a stalemate into Spring '44. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Jo...
Mar 26, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 753
The Nazi occupation of Hungary led to the mass transportation and murder of over 400,000 Jews in 1944 and 1945. Why had Hungary's leadership sided with the Axis? Al Murray and James Holland are joined by John McManus to review the events of 80 years ago this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 21, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 752
